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Honor veterans, reach out to those in need of help: Your Say

8:24 p.m. EST November 10, 2013

U.S. Army soldiers from the 2-82 Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, carry their bags to waiting trucks as they prepare to board buses later in the evening to fly home to Fort Hood, Texas after being one of the last American combat units to exit from Iraq on December 15, 2011.(Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images,)

This Veterans Day, it is not too late for all of us to extend a hand to the men and women returning from 10 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can do more than honor their service by clapping our hands in the airport. We can extend our hand in friendship and assistance. We can hire these experienced men and women in our businesses and welcome them into our neighborhoods. We can offer assistance to them in enhancing their careers as they have put their careers on hold to protect us. And we can urge our government to continue to provide extensive supports and services for veterans.

My youngest son separated from the military July Fourth, after multiple tours in Iraq. My hope for my son is that he is able to re-enter society and return to a productive, happy life with his wife with a minimum of difficulty. But he, like all others who have served, is forever changed by having been in combat.

Please, on this Veterans Day and the days thereafter, remember those who have served and offer assistance when you can. Get to know and assist military members returning to your community.

I was present at Pearl Harbor only through correspondence sent to me by military friends who were there. I remember the news flash that brought immediate, insurmountable foreboding of the days to come. To understand how the war created the "Greatest Generation" is hard without personally having lived through it.

Winning the conflict left Americans and their allies with hope that war would not be repeated. Many veterans and those still serving today deserve more than a pat on the backs for their dedication and bravery.